State grant to help with barn roof repairs at fairgrounds

A state grant will help the Lenawee County Fair with some roofing projects.

State Rep. Nancy Jenkins, R-Clayton, announced Wednesday that an $8,700 state grant has been awarded to the Agricultural Society of Lenawee County for roof restoration projects at the fair and event grounds.

The cattle and swine barns on the fairgrounds in Adrian will receive new roofs in preparation for the 175th anniversary of the Lenawee County Fair. The funds come from the County Fairs Capital Improvement Program, which provides Michigan’s county fairs with funds for proposed enhancements to fairgrounds across the state, according to a news release from Jenkins’ office.

“The Lenawee County Fair is the longest-running fair in the state, and I am excited that we can showcase our area of the state even more with these roof improvements,” Jenkins said in the release. “County fairs bring family and friends together and display our dedication to farming and agriculture in Michigan.”

Fair board president Jason Wegner said he does not know exactly when the new roofs will be installed, but that it will be before this year’s fair.

“Obviously the grant money is a great help,” Wegner said.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development awarded grants between $2,525 and $20,000 for 21 improvement projects throughout Michigan. All grants require a matching commitment by the local fair.